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Fluoroscopy Guided

Cervical Facet Block

Targeted Treatment for Pain Arising From the Cervical Facet Joints

A Cervical Facet Block is a minimally invasive, image-guided injection procedure used to assess and manage pain that may arise from the facet joints in the neck. Using fluoroscopy for accurate needle placement, medication is delivered to the targeted cervical facet joint.

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Fluoroscopy guided cervical facet block procedure for neck pain
Treatment Type
Cervical Facet Block
Target
Cervical Facet Joint
Guidance
Fluoroscopy Guided
Procedure
Minimally Invasive
Cervical facet joint injection for chronic neck pain

What Is a Cervical Facet Block?

A Cervical Facet Block is an image-guided injection procedure used when one or more facet joints in the neck are suspected to be contributing to persistent neck pain.

Cervical facet joints are small paired joints located at the back and sides of the vertebrae in the neck. They help guide movement and contribute to the stability of the cervical spine. Degenerative changes, injury or mechanical stress can sometimes cause these joints to become painful.

During a cervical facet block, your pain specialist uses fluoroscopy, a real-time X-ray imaging technique, to identify the relevant cervical anatomy and guide a fine needle toward the targeted facet joint.

Once the needle position is confirmed, a small amount of medication may be administered into the facet joint. The medication can include a local anaesthetic and, when clinically appropriate, a corticosteroid.

The procedure may provide temporary pain relief and can also provide useful information about whether the targeted facet joint is contributing to your symptoms.

Targets cervical facet joints
Fluoroscopy guided
Minimally invasive
May reduce local inflammation
Helps assess facet-related pain
Supports treatment planning
The Procedure

How Does a Cervical Facet Block Work?

01
Clinical Assessment

Your specialist reviews your neck pain, medical history, examination findings and relevant investigations to assess whether the cervical facet joints may be contributing to your symptoms.

02
Positioning

You are positioned appropriately on the procedure table to allow safe access to the selected cervical facet joint while maintaining appropriate alignment.

03
Fluoroscopy Guidance

Real-time X-ray imaging is used to identify the relevant cervical anatomy and guide the needle toward the intended facet joint.

04
Targeted Injection

After confirming the needle position, the selected medication is delivered into the targeted cervical facet joint.

Potential Benefits of Cervical Facet Block
Targeted Treatment

Medication is delivered directly to the suspected painful cervical facet joint.

Potential Pain Relief

The local anaesthetic may provide temporary relief, while a corticosteroid may help reduce inflammation in selected patients.

Image-Guided Precision

Fluoroscopy provides real-time imaging to help guide the needle toward the intended cervical facet joint.

Diagnostic Information

The response to the injection may help your specialist assess whether the targeted facet joint is contributing to your neck pain.

Minimally Invasive

The procedure is performed using a fine needle rather than open surgery.

May Support Rehabilitation

When pain is reduced, some patients may be better able to participate in prescribed rehabilitation and exercise.

The degree and duration of pain relief vary between patients. A cervical facet block does not guarantee permanent relief.
You May Be a Candidate If:

A cervical facet block may be considered when your clinical assessment suggests that one or more cervical facet joints could be contributing to your neck pain.

Your doctor may consider the procedure if:

  • You have persistent or chronic neck pain.
  • Your symptoms and examination suggest possible facet joint involvement.
  • Conservative treatments have not provided adequate improvement.
  • Relevant imaging or other investigations have been reviewed when clinically required.
  • Your doctor believes a targeted facet injection may provide useful diagnostic or therapeutic information.
  • Your overall health allows the procedure to be performed safely.
Not all neck pain comes from the facet joints. Your specialist will assess other possible sources of pain before recommending a cervical facet block.

Conditions Where Cervical Facet Block May Be Considered

Cervical facet blocks may be considered in selected patients when clinical findings suggest that the facet joints in the neck may be contributing to persistent or chronic neck pain.

Cervical Facet Joint Pain

A facet block may be considered when one or more cervical facet joints are suspected to be a source of localized neck pain.

Cervical Spondylosis

Degenerative changes in the cervical spine can affect the facet joints and may contribute to mechanical neck pain.

Cervical Facet Syndrome

In selected cases, facet injections may be used to assess and manage pain believed to originate from the cervical facet joints.

Chronic Neck Pain

A cervical facet block may be considered as part of the assessment of persistent neck pain when facet involvement is suspected.

Degenerative Facet Changes

Degenerative changes affecting the cervical facet joints may contribute to mechanical neck pain in some patients.

Mechanical Neck Pain

In carefully selected cases, facet joint involvement may be evaluated when neck pain is associated with certain movements or loading.

Why Choose Vedant Pain Management Clinic for Cervical Facet Block?

Detailed Assessment

Your symptoms, examination findings and relevant investigations are reviewed to identify the most likely source of your neck pain.

Fluoroscopy Guidance

Real-time X-ray guidance helps the specialist identify the cervical facet joint and guide the needle toward the intended target.

Targeted Treatment

The procedure is planned around the suspected painful facet joint and your individual clinical findings.

Personalized Care

Your treatment plan is tailored to your symptoms, diagnosis, previous treatment response and functional goals.

Before Cervical Facet Block

Before your procedure, your pain specialist may:

  • Review your neck pain, medical history and previous treatments.
  • Perform a focused physical and neurological examination.
  • Assess whether your symptoms may be related to the cervical facet joints.
  • Review relevant X-rays, MRI, CT or other investigations when clinically required.
  • Review your current medications and allergies.
  • Discuss the expected benefits, limitations, alternatives and potential risks.
  • Explain any specific preparation instructions before the procedure.

Your doctor will determine whether a cervical facet block is appropriate based on your individual condition.

Patient consulting a pain specialist before cervical facet block treatment
After Cervical Facet Block

After the procedure, you may be monitored for a short period before discharge. Your post-procedure instructions will depend on your individual condition and the medications used.

You may be advised to:

  • Follow the activity instructions provided by your doctor.
  • Avoid strenuous activity for the period recommended by your specialist.
  • Monitor your neck pain and any other symptoms after the injection.
  • Record your response to the treatment if your doctor has asked you to monitor pain relief.
  • Continue prescribed exercises or rehabilitation when recommended.
  • Attend follow-up appointments as advised.

Some patients may experience temporary relief soon after the injection because of the local anaesthetic. If a corticosteroid is used, its effects may take longer to develop. The degree and duration of relief vary between patients.

Risks & Considerations

Cervical Facet Block is a minimally invasive procedure, but it can still have potential risks and side effects.

Possible complications include temporary pain or soreness at the injection site, bruising, bleeding, infection, temporary numbness or weakness and reactions to the injected medication.

If corticosteroids are used, temporary changes in blood glucose, flushing or other steroid-related effects may occur in some patients.

Because the cervical spine contains important nerves, blood vessels and other sensitive structures, cervical injections require careful image-guided technique and appropriate patient selection.

Fluoroscopy uses ionizing radiation. The amount used during the procedure is kept as low as reasonably achievable while obtaining the imaging needed for appropriate needle placement.

A cervical facet block does not guarantee permanent pain relief. It may be used to provide temporary symptom relief, diagnostic information, or both, depending on the clinical situation.

Seek medical attention promptly if you develop severe or worsening pain, significant weakness, persistent numbness, fever, spreading redness or swelling, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, or other concerning symptoms following the procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cervical Facet Block?
A Cervical Facet Block is an image-guided injection procedure that delivers medication into a selected facet joint in the neck to assess or manage pain that may be originating from that joint.
Why is a Cervical Facet Block performed?
It may be performed when a cervical facet joint is suspected to be contributing to persistent neck pain. The procedure can provide temporary pain relief and may also provide useful diagnostic information.
Is a Cervical Facet Block the same as a Medial Branch Block?
No. A cervical facet block targets the facet joint, while a medial branch block targets the small medial branch nerves that carry sensory signals from the facet joints. Your specialist will determine which procedure is appropriate for your condition.
Is a Cervical Facet Block performed under fluoroscopy?
Yes. Fluoroscopy is commonly used to provide real-time X-ray guidance and help the specialist accurately position the needle at the targeted cervical facet joint.
Can a Cervical Facet Block help with neck pain?
It may help selected patients whose neck pain is related to the cervical facet joints. However, neck pain can have many different causes, so a detailed clinical assessment is important.
How long does a Cervical Facet Block take?
The injection itself is generally brief. The total appointment may take longer because it includes preparation, positioning, fluoroscopic imaging, injection and post-procedure observation.
How soon can I feel relief after a Cervical Facet Block?
Some patients may experience temporary relief soon after the injection because of the local anaesthetic. If a corticosteroid is used, its effects may take longer to develop.
How long does relief from a Cervical Facet Block last?
The duration of relief varies considerably between patients. Some may experience short-term improvement, while others may experience longer-lasting relief. A cervical facet block should not be considered a guaranteed permanent solution.
Can a Cervical Facet Block help diagnose facet-related pain?
The response to a properly performed facet injection may provide information about whether the targeted joint is contributing to pain. Your specialist will interpret the response together with your symptoms, examination findings and other clinical information.
What are the risks of a Cervical Facet Block?
Potential risks include temporary soreness, bruising, bleeding, infection, temporary numbness or weakness, medication-related reactions and other complications. Because the procedure is performed in the cervical region, your doctor will carefully assess the risks relevant to your individual condition before treatment.

Is Your Neck Pain Coming From the Facet Joints?

Persistent neck pain can have many possible causes. If your clinical assessment suggests that the cervical facet joints may be contributing to your symptoms, a targeted Cervical Facet Block may help assess and manage the suspected pain source.
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